Golden Mile – Then and Now

Check out these beautiful pics of the Durban Golden Mile then and now! Durbanites are very proud of their Golden Mile and Promenade and we have every right to! So, why is it called the “Golden Mile?”. Could it be the Golden Sands, the Golden View at Sunset or the golden pathways. Whatever the […]

Check out these beautiful pics of the Durban Golden Mile then and now!

North Beach Durban 1949

Durbanites are very proud of their Golden Mile and Promenade and we have every right to! So, why is it called the “Golden Mile?”. Could it be the Golden Sands, the Golden View at Sunset or the golden pathways. Whatever the reason may be, The Golden Mile is one of our pride possesions and also one of the main tourist attractions in Durban.

Durban Golden Mile Now – Pic By Grant Pitcher

Walkers, cyclists and joggers make daily use of the Durban beachfront promenade. It is safe to Park anywhere along the route and take a leisurely stroll, jog or run and enjoy the sea breeze and sunshine.The wide stretch of golden sands, artificially separated by various piers, provides excellent opportunities for sun-worshippers and swimmers to enjoy the sub-tropical sunshine and warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Most of the Mile’s beaches are protected year-round by lifeguards and shark nets. The Mile is also a well-known surfer’s haven. The South Beach end, in particular, is well known as a safe beach for neophyte surfers.

DID YOU KNOW?

The first South African Surfing Championships took place in Durban in 1966.

The Golden Mile – Then

The beachfront properties are a mix of residential apartments and tourist hotels, development of which boomed in the 1970s, although remnants of Durban’s art-deco architecture are still evident. Interspersed among the beachfront properties are several popular restaurants and nightclubs. If you have been down to our Golden Mile in the early morning you will see joggers, cyclists, pram-pushing mums, dog-walking seniors and a host of walkers who love taking in the fresh, salt-laden morning breeze.

The Golden Mile has long been a popular domestic holiday destination and during the holiday seasons (June–July and December–January) South Africans from across the country, but in particular the Gauteng region, flock to enjoy its many attractions, which include: • Blue Lagoon, a popular hangout, picnic and fishing spot • Mini Town with a miniature replica of Durban, complete with a working miniature railway and airport. • Moses Mabhida Stadium • Traditional market vendors and other hawkers with a selection of Zulu art and crafts. • The beautiful promenade along the beaches encourage more people to enjoy walking and cycling. • Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World, a casino complex with a semi-private beach, restaurants, shops and public entertainment facilities. • uShaka Marine World aquarium, water park, dolphinarium, containing a restaurant with the largest shark tank in the world. • North Beach, Dairy Beach, the Bay of Plenty and Snake Park beaches are popular surfing beaches separated by the piers. • The Skate Park in front of the Bay of Plenty caters for skateboarders, roller bladers and BMX’ers. • The Surfing Museum, a historical site cataloguing some of Durban’s surfing history.

The Beautiful Durban Beachfront

Both southern and northern beaches attract thousands throughout the year with waves ideal for swimming, surfing and body-boarding. There are a number of piers along Durban’s beachfront, most of which are used daily by anglers, and there’s a host of hotels overlooking the beachfront, many offering excellent accommodation and restaurants. There are also more relaxed beer and burger spots, and a couple of trendy coffee shops like Cafe Jiran that are worth a visit.

Paddling Pools in the ’70’s

If you have small children, you might prefer to spend time at the paddling pools, where slides and fountains add to the kids’ enjoyment. There’s also the Rachel Finlayson salt-water swimming pool, as well as fast food eateries in and around North Beach. A lot has changed over the years, but what remains is the magic and beauty of one of the most amazing stretch of beaches on the world!